Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 19577 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19577 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 98(@200wpm)___ 78(@250wpm)___ 65(@300wpm)
"Before you say anything," I blurt out, "I'm not looking for a dad for my children. They're mine and I'm going to take care of them. I just need a hand with the farm while I'm on bed rest."
He looks stung at my words. "I would not presume to take your children from you. But I would be happy to take part in their lives if you will let me."
"We'll see. I need to think about it a while."
"Think all you like." He moves in and adjusts one of my pillows. "But I am here about the job first and foremost. I did not know it was you when I came out here, and that changes nothing. You need an assistant to handle working on the farm and someone to look after you while you're ill. Let me prove to you that I can be what you need."
I want to protest that I don't need anyone looking after me, but just one cup of tea has made me feel so much better. What would it be like if I had real help with everything that threatens to overwhelm me? "I just..."
"You sit there. You look tired. Are you hungry?" When I shake my head, he gets to his feet. "One of your bots was stuck in the fence. I'm going to go fix it and see what needs immediate action. I'll make a list of things and we'll go over it tonight and you can tell me what needs doing first. Sound good?"
The independent part of me wants to protest, but the babies shift in my stomach, pressing on my organs again, and I meekly nod. I'm so tired I could fall over, and the warm tea isn't helping. "I need to lie down for a while, and then I'll finish the laundry."
"Show me where your cleaning system is and I'll do it for you. I'll make dinner, too. You just drink your tea and then go sleep." He holds out his wrist communicator to me. "Do you have one of these? I can give you my identification and you can send me a message if you need anything."
"Somewhere," I say faintly. "I have one somewhere. It came with the house."
He nods and offers me a big, claw-tipped hand. "Do you need help getting up?"
God, do I ever. But I'm not ready to get up just yet so I shake my head. "I'm going to hang out here for a bit. And I can make dinner—"
"I will," he says firmly. "We will not argue over this."
I frown at his bossiness. "You're a stranger—"
"No, as of now, I am your hired assistant. I will handle all the work. Your job is to sleep and take care of yourself." He points a clawed finger at me. "And if you are worried, lock your door until you are comfortable with my presence. But I am registered here, and if anything happens to you, the custodians will be looking in my direction."
He's got a point. If I show up with so much as a scratch on my face, he'll be tossed in jail. And I've already known him...carnally. I guess I can trust him for today. "Okay." I rub my face. "I'm too tired to argue."
"You just rest. I am here now." He turns and heads for the door, then pauses and turns back around once more. He heads to my side and holds his hand out, palm up. When I eye him with curiosity, he jiggles his hand until I put mine in his. Then, he bends over our joined hands in a bow. "I did not give you my name. You can call me Bodhrri."
Oh shit. I'd forgotten all about names. It should be the most basic of information and yet we're doing this all backwards. "I'm Payton."
"Payton," he repeats and then nods. "I will remember."
Chapter
Three
PAYTON
Ihave the best intentions of getting up and finishing the laundry and then heading to bed for a nap. I really do. It's just that when I finish my warm, delicious tea, I nod off. I jerk awake when I tip over, realizing I'm still on the couch, but it's so comfortable that I just curl on my side, still holding the empty mug, and snooze.
I wake up later that night to delicious scents and someone moving around in my kitchen. At some point, a blanket has been tucked over me, and my mug is gone. I sit up and am immediately rewarded with a series of flutters in my belly, like the babies in there are waking up, too. It's such a strange sensation to feel. On active days, it feels like I have eels fighting in my guts, but today it's just gentle movements, as if they're saying hello to me.
"Hello?" I mumble, shaking off the last vestiges of sleep.